Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Very Much

There was an editorial in the local paper this morning about how important it is to be thankful for what we have, particularly in hard times (or when times are tough, if you prefer). It seems to me that it's easier to be concerned with what we don't have, than to be grateful for what we do have. And so, allow me to relate the following true story.
Some friends of mine, a young family, invited me to lunch. I met them at a Chinese restaurant, after I went to an appointment I had with my regular (family) doctor. When I arrived at the restaurant, they were already there, along with some friends of their's, another married couple with a couple of young children.
As I sat down at the table, I made one of my usual inane jokes, and said that the doctor told me I had a couple of more weeks to live. I forget sometimes, that death is taken more seriously in the Chinese culture, and not generally joked about. So, while silence set in around the table, the wife belonging to the other married couple said, "Congratulations! You have 2 more weeks!"
Now, she knew I was joking, and even though she was also joking (in fact, she was funnier than I was), her words made me think about the way most of us respond to things that happen to us. I believe that all things happen for a reason. If we can't see that reason, well, sometimes we just have to look harder.
Anyroad (anway, anyhow), wherever you are, whatever you are doing, and no matter what your situation is in life, try to remember all the things you have to be thankful for, and have the best Thanksgiving you possibly can.
May you have a truly happy one.